AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 4: What's New and Should You Upgrade?

AirPods 5 bring Active Noise Cancellation to the $129 starting model, removing the biggest feature gap in Apple's previous open-ear lineup. The $149 version adds a wireless charging case, stem swipe volume controls, and longer rated listening time.

Whether that warrants an upgrade depends on which AirPods 4 you own. Moving from the standard model adds noise cancellation; moving from AirPods 4 with ANC is a narrower upgrade, with much of the core hardware and design carrying over.



Jump to: Specs · Noise Cancellation · Battery and Charging · Should You Upgrade?

AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 4: Key Specifications

You No Longer Need the More Expensive Model for ANC

The original AirPods 4 lineup separated the $129 standard model from a $179 version with Active Noise Cancellation. With AirPods 5, both configurations include ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, and Conversation Awareness.

Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. That claimed improvement is available on both the $129 and $149 versions.



Standard AirPods 4 owners get the larger feature upgrade, adding noise cancellation to the familiar open-ear design. For owners of AirPods 4 with ANC, the more relevant changes are Apple's claimed noise reduction improvement and the extra controls and battery life of the $149 model.

Battery Life and Charging

With ANC enabled, standard AirPods 5 are rated for up to four hours of listening on one charge and 20 hours including the case. That's the same ANC-on rating as AirPods 4 with ANC.

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case increase those figures to five hours on a charge and 22 hours with the case.



With noise control off, Apple's per-charge ratings are up to six hours for AirPods 5 and seven hours for the wireless-case version, compared with up to five hours for either AirPods 4 model. Standard AirPods 4, which have no ANC, are rated for up to 30 hours including their USB-C case.

The basic AirPods 5 case charges through USB-C. The wireless version also works with Qi-certified chargers and an Apple Watch charger, and adds a speaker to help locate the case using Find My. Those charging and case-finding conveniences were already present on AirPods 4 with ANC.

Swipe Volume Is New, but the Chip and Fit Are Familiar

Only AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case support swiping the stem to adjust volume. On the $129 model, volume is adjusted through Siri or the connected device.



Both generations use H2 and Bluetooth 5.3. The listed earbud dimensions and 4.3-gram weight are also unchanged. AirPods 5 retain the open-ear design without silicone ear tips.

The earbuds and case move from an IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance rating to IP57. They are not intended for swimming, and resistance can diminish over time.

Live Translation is listed for both AirPods 5 versions and was already supported by AirPods 4 with ANC. It requires compatible devices, current software and firmware, and Apple Intelligence, with language and regional restrictions.

Should You Upgrade?

From standard AirPods 4: Consider AirPods 5 if you want ANC while keeping an open-ear design. If you mainly listen somewhere quiet and are happy with your current pair, the shared chip, dimensions, and weight make replacing them less urgent.

From AirPods 4 with ANC: There is less reason to rush. The standard AirPods 5 don't improve the advertised ANC-on battery figures and would give up your wireless charging case. The $149 version is the more relevant replacement if you want swipe volume and longer listening time. Wait for listening comparisons if improved noise cancellation is your main reason to spend.

Buying your first pair: AirPods 5 make ANC standard at the original $129 entry price. The $149 version is worth considering if you expect to use the volume gesture, wireless charging, or extra listening time. An AirPods 4 clearance offer may still change the value calculation.

Both new configurations are available to pre-order, with availability beginning September 18. Check our AirPods Price Tracker for current pricing and availability from tracked retailers.